Manure: In the 16th and 17th
centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before commercial
fertilizer's invention, so large shipments of manure were common.
It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once
water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began
again, of which a by product is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in
bundles you can see what could (and did) happen.
Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with
a lantern, BOOOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was
happening.
After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term "Ship High In
Transit" on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower
decks so that any water that came into the hold would not to uch this volatile cargo and
start the production of methane.
Thus evolved the term "S. H. I. T ", (Ship High In Transport) which has come
down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.
You probably did not know the true history of this word.
Neither did I.
I had always thought it was a golf term!
Comment or Share Your Own One Liner
Funny Joke
in your email every week!
We respect your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
